Supporting 100 Cancer Patients in Casablanca

Semi-Annual Report – August 2025

Project supported via GlobalGiving – Association Dar Zhor

Highlight of the Semester

The most significant achievement of this semester was the completion and official presentation of the first psychosocial impact study on supportive cancer care in Morocco and Africa, led by Association Dar Zhor.
Conducted under the supervision of Professor Wassila Benkirane, the study was presented in June 2025 at the MASCC Global Congress in Seattle, reinforcing the scientific recognition of Dar Zhor’s holistic care model.

Key Findings of the Study

The results from both the quantitative (164 patients) and qualitative (20 interviews) approaches confirm the major impact of supportive care on:

• Mental health: reduced anxiety and loneliness, improved self-esteem.
• Physical health: pain relief, better sleep, restored energy.
• Body image: improved body acceptance, renewed confidence.
• Social and family life: rebuilt social ties, peer support, stronger family communication.
• Overall satisfaction: 97% of beneficiaries are satisfied, with nearly 79% being very satisfied.

Next Steps: Public and Institutional Promotion of the Study

With the support of the Stratëus Group, Association Dar Zhor is launching an ambitious public relations strategy to transform this study into a lever for institutional recognition and large-scale awareness.

Objectives

• Position supportive care as an essential component of the cancer care pathway.
• Introduce the issue into public debate and onto the agenda of decision-makers.
• Strengthen Dar Zhor’s legitimacy as a pioneering actor.

Strategic Action Plan (July 2025 – June 2026)

1. Create Media Impact

• Organize a press conference (October 2025)
• Disseminate a media kit (study summary, institutional profile, press release)

2. Produce High-Value Content

• Publish an op-ed in a major media outlet
• Conduct dual interviews: expert + patient to humanize the data

3. Digital Mobilization

• Launch an influencer campaign in health, wellness, and social spheres
• Create engaging content across Dar Zhor's social media: carousels, videos, testimonials, infographics

4. Target Decision-Makers

• Host a closed-door institutional roundtable with Ministry of Health officials, professionals, researchers, and patients
• Draft a policy recommendation report to integrate supportive care into national health strategies

5. Engage the Private Sector

• Organize awareness sessions in companies to promote corporate support and solidarity initiatives

Conclusion

This semester marks a turning point for Dar Zhor: the impact study validates the effectiveness of its interventions, and the newly launched communication strategy aims to reshape the perception and institutional standing of supportive care within Morocco’s healthcare system.

Dar Zhor is now positioned as a pioneering actor and catalyst for lasting change, improving the quality of life of people living with cancer.

Links:

• https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7348424722679783424-cosU?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAAAl0EOEBQ16KEYbKFu-jsiXhuVNDX8wZ8Hc&

• Best_Of_Ateliers_Juillet_2025_20250731_190542_0000_compressed_1.pdf (PDF)
  
• A_July_at_Dar_Zhor.docx (DOCX)